[VERTAS]

I am heading down to Birmingham AL from Memphis TN later this week and I have been on the fence about riding the bike down. I just got in my cramp busters for the grips but I have not purchased a windshield yet. I have ridden the bike for 2+ hours without one and I felt fine. The trip to Birmingham AL is about 240 miles so I was thinking about cruising at 65 mph which should make it about 4.5 hours with 2 or 3 stops.
I just wanted to get some opinions and or tips. This will be the longest continous ride I have been on. I don't have saddle bags but I will have the luggage rack for my clothes and stuff. I have not purchased rain gear yet but the weather is supposed to be hot and dry. What do yall think, yay or nay?

 

[dreadly]

Do it up ... I'm doing 4000 miles without one

 

[The_Joker]

I'm thinking about riding my bike from NoCal to SoCal in July time frame, about 350 miles one way, leaving Wednesday and returning on Sunday.....
No bags, fairing or luggage rack....

Would ride out alone, and then ride back leading the wife and kids in the car (they plan on heading out sooner than I since I have to work)
It's either ride or fly.....still on the fence, most likely ride.

It would be my longest ride...

 

[NOLAStryker]

I make these sort of trips quite often. This is one of the few times I wear a full face helmet. Usually carry the half helmet with me to use when I get to where I am going. Be sure and bring something to clean your lenses/visor with when you stop. You will be a bug grave yard in no time.

 

[kraaazymike]

I find that 70mph wind is bearable for long periods of time. However, 80+ wears me out real quick. I like to stop every hour or so and stretch the legs for 10 minutes or so.

I'm thinking about riding my bike from NoCal to SoCal in July time frame, about 350 miles one way, leaving Wednesday and returning on Sunday.....
No bags, fairing or luggage rack....

Would ride out alone, and then ride back leading the wife and kids in the car (they plan on heading out sooner than I since I have to work)
It's either ride or fly.....still on the fence, most likely ride.

It would be my longest ride...

I'm doing Orange County to Grass Valley and back this August. 474 miles one way. My longest ride too on a bare nekkid bike. Let me know how your trip goes!

 

[Natedog]

I find that 70mph wind is bearable for long periods of time. However, 80+ wears me out real quick. I like to stop every hour or so and stretch the legs for 10 minutes or so.

+1

...if not a little less, anything over 70mph/120kph wears me out fast.

 

[strykenshane]

I can't imagine doing the ride I just did without a shield but I have done 400 in a day with the mini boulevard and it wasn't too bad

 

[Tchooka]

I did about 3000 miles round trip from Newfoundland to Gaspé with a boulevard windshield and lots of motivation! I would say it's doable but having a windshield just to hide behind on certain circumstances...PRICELESS! I now have the memphis fairing and would not go back to none or just boulevard!

As for rain gear, it's so cheap and easy to toss in a backpack that you have no reason not to get one!! Got a coleman rain suit for ~35$ at walmart and does the job! Nothing kill's a roadtrip more then being wet!

Hope it helps!

 

[mavros1413]

DO IT

 

[UrbanRage]

I find that 70mph wind is bearable for long periods of time. However, 80+ wears me out real quick. I like to stop every hour or so and stretch the legs for 10 minutes or so.

I'm thinking about riding my bike from NoCal to SoCal in July time frame, about 350 miles one way, leaving Wednesday and returning on Sunday.....
No bags, fairing or luggage rack....

Would ride out alone, and then ride back leading the wife and kids in the car (they plan on heading out sooner than I since I have to work)
It's either ride or fly.....still on the fence, most likely ride.

It would be my longest ride...

I'm doing Orange County to Grass Valley and back this August. 474 miles one way. My longest ride too on a bare nekkid bike. Let me know how your trip goes!

I live in the next town over... Penn Valley... If you wanna cruise let me know.

 

[WhiteDonkey]

Do it!

One of the things I enjoy most about riding is the wind being all up in my junk. Kinda makes me feel like I'm flying

I do agree with NOLAStryker about the helmets, though. A full face is nice when it comes to the bugs. On long trips I usually just cruise with the visor up until I need a break from the wind, and then I just close the visor. Works like a charm for me. Either way you choose, have fun and ride safe!

Donk

 

[gator8]

Without question you should go....heck don't worry about the speed unless you have no choice on the amount of time you take. Personally I have long since givin up on using a bike as transportation...I don't ride in a hurry as I enjoy riding at slower speeds..even with a faring I don't worry about the time...I'm big on taking breaks too..gives you a chance to stop and never know I've met some nice motorcycle people while stoped at gas stations.

The real poetry of it all is just enjoying the moments...so you take longer to get there...but it will be a better memory than if you drove a car...that much I think we will all agree on.

 

[imjoesnuffy]

Just did 400 one day last week, no windshield, full face hemet, 85-90 mph the whole way. Piece of cake, you can do it.

 

[11Stryker]

Without question you should go....heck don't worry about the speed unless you have no choice on the amount of time you take. Personally I have long since givin up on using a bike as transportation...I don't ride in a hurry as I enjoy riding at slower speeds..even with a faring I don't worry about the time...I'm big on taking breaks too..gives you a chance to stop and never know I've met some nice motorcycle people while stoped at gas stations.

The real poetry of it all is just enjoying the moments...so you take longer to get there...but it will be a better memory than if you drove a car...that much I think we will all agree on.

What Gator said here!

 

[snowman68]

Do it I've did multiple rides of 200-300 miles... With and without full face and no windshield and at speeds of 60-100+. You will wear out faster at higher speeds but with the gas tank being so small you do end up taking breaks. Enjoy just make sure you drink enough

 

[toby]

Pick up a cheap rain suit or a good one for 50 bucks just in case,get a duffel bag, pack your **** in it, strap it to your back seat for extra support to lean back on at speeds over 70 and hit the road. ;D The only thing you got to worry about is cleaning bugs of your face shield and close.

 

[strykerjan]

I never had a windscreen on my V Star 1100 and went 20,000 miles on her. It will be a doddle.

 

[11Stryker]

I never had a windscreen on my V Star 1100 and went 20,000 miles on her. It will be a doddle.

Yes, but arent you like one of those little old ladies that can barely see over the steering wheel? LOL Just Kidding Jan! HEHEHE

 

[deputystryker]

I just wear my padded sunglasses, skull helmet and a bandana over my face. Ive done a handful of 200ish mile rides but nothing more than that yet.
The bandana is thin enough for the air to come through but keeps the face clean.

 

[middleagecrisis]

I never had a windscreen on my V Star 1100 and went 20,000 miles on her. It will be a doddle.

Yes, but arent you like one of those little old ladies that can barely see over the steering wheel? LOL Just Kidding Jan! HEHEHE

LMAO! That was funny!